Look who’s dating the sassy Mercedes GLK

A standard set of shiny 20-inch wheels garnishes the eye-appealing profile of the GLK 350. Photos: Alexandra Straub /FOR the province

Photograph by: Alexandra Straub

Often times, people ask me what it’s like being an automotive journalist.

“It’s like speed dating, but with cars.”

The car and I meet, get to know one another, either we click (or we don’t), we have an adventure (or we don’t), and just when I feel a deeper connection being formed, it has to go home.

But when we part, there’s no awkwardness. We knew that would be our fate. And no, you don’t have to call me if you don’t want to.

Then it’s on to the next!

Since the Mercedes-Benz GLK’s introduction in 2010, I’ve had my eyes on it. But it was only recently that we finally had some ‘alone time’ together.

Why did I have my eyes on it?

Well, it’s hard not to. They’re everywhere. I don’t think I can go a day on the road in the Lower Mainland without seeing at least three in my commute. And my commutes aren’t usually very long.

Furthermore, I think they’re a great size for urban dwellers. Then again, they also have the goods to get you into various forms of Mother Nature’s playgrounds, like up the mountain (thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system), or along a dirt road that leads to a campground.

I’m glad our paths crossed at this particular time since the 2013 model year GLK receives a fresh new design that makes it, in my opinion, even more attractive than before.

Yes, it has been working out and has lost weight. Thanks for noticing. With almost 1,000 new parts to it, this compact luxury crossover SUV has a lot of great things going for it in regards to both style and substance.

Some might be put off by its boxlike silhouette, but I found it rather practical and sassy.

Its radiator grille houses two silver louvres, chrome inserts and the Mercedes-Benz emblem complemented by newly designed headlamps. Strong lines lead the eyes to its profile where a standard set of 20-inch, five-twin-spoke wheels wrapped with all-season tires that shine, even in the overcast weather.

Around back, its perky rear end showcases a new chrome skid plate and chrome-plated tailpipes.

Its tail lights have also been completely revamped and LED lights highlight the licence plate.

My initial attraction to the GLK was purely physical. But when I entered the cabin, I knew we had things in common on the inside.

A completely redesigned dashboard welcomes the driver and occupants with a modern flair. I particularly like the jet engine-look circular air vents combined with the aluminum trim. A 4.5-inch colour display perched at the top of the centre stack lets me know what is going on; a characteristic I like. Being able to communicate with each other is definitely a bonus.

But it’s when I slipped the key fob into the ignition and fired it up that sparks really started to fly.

The heart of the GLK 350’s personality comes in the form of a 3.5L, direct-injection V6 engine that puts out 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It’s then coupled with a seven-speed automatic that can either be tamed through the engine’s own devices, or via the steering wheel paddle shifters. Enjoying the use of both features makes the driving bearable in city traffic yet extra fun on winding roads.

Putting the whole package together, the GLK has the looks, practicality and power to keep me entertained and very happy behind the wheel.

There’s even a decent amount of rear-seat leg room, so people in the second row won’t feel too cramped for the drive.

What really stood out to me was the ease at which this luxury SUV and I got along. The electromechanical steering helped me navigate the roads effortlessly, but without taking the life out of driving. With a sizable front windshield and a large rear window, seeing the outside world atop the black artico seating surfaces was quiet and comfortable.

Throughout our time together, you could say we were on our best behaviour. Then again, the honeymoon stage never wore off.

Each time I drove the GLK, I liked it just that much more.

Should we rendezvous again, I would be more than happy to accept the invitation for a second date, or third, or fourth with the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.

In the meantime, I’ll just have ‘see’ other vehicles. You know my number …

The base MSRP of the 2013 Mercedes GLK 350 is $44,900. The price as tested, including the Navigation Package ($2,400), Tenorite Grey Metallic paint ($890) and Premium Package ($3,600) came to $51,790 (excluding destination charges and taxes).

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